Retail sales in Denmark rose by 0.6% from June to July 2025 after adjustments for price developments, seasonal fluctuations, and trading days, according to the latest figures from Statistics Denmark. The increase was driven by growth in clothing and other consumer goods, which rose by 2.4% and 1.0% respectively, while sales of food and daily necessities fell slightly by 0.2%.
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The report notes that discount stores continue to expand robustly, with retail sales over the past 12 months (August 2024 – July 2025) reaching 18.2% above levels recorded three years ago, during a period of high inflation. Department stores also saw an increase of 6.4% over the same period, whereas supermarket sales remained largely unchanged. These figures are not adjusted for price developments.
Seasonally adjusted revisions show minor changes in recent monthly trends. The previously reported 0.8% fall in the retail sales index from May to June has been revised to a 0.7% decrease, while the April-to-May increase has been revised from 0.9% to 0.5%. According to Statistics Denmark, these adjustments reflect the inclusion of a new period affecting seasonal calculations.
The data underlines the divergence in performance across product groups. While food and groceries saw a decline compared to the previous year, clothing and other consumer goods displayed steady growth. Total retail trade showed modest year-on-year increases, reflecting resilience amid fluctuating consumer demand and price pressures.
Statistics Denmark highlights that the retail sales index measures volume, adjusted for price changes, seasonal variations, and trading-day effects. In 2021, the weighting of product groups in the index was: food and daily necessities 43.4%, clothing 6.8%, and other consumer goods 49.8%.
The report offers insights for retailers, economists, and policy makers into shifting consumer behaviour, with discount retailers outperforming traditional supermarkets, while clothing and non-essential goods remain a key driver of retail growth.
Next release of retail sales data is scheduled for 26 September 2025.
More information:
Danmarks Statistik
www.dst.dk
